Five problems related to brake disc rotor have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After having brakes repaired, owner was told brakes as repaired would have reduced braking performance because of defective rotors, mechanic stated that a number of Ford rotors undergo a hardening when machine and there is no way to know in advance which rotors will machine properly and which ones will harden. Cj.
I had my front brakes replaced January 7 , 2000 . I recently heard a loud " tumping " noise in the right front wheel / axle assembly. I took the van back to the dealer for repairs. They replace the " sway bar / tie rods on the right side and did a suspension adjustment and assured me the problem was fixed. I took the van out of the parking lot only to return immediatly. I then took the " expert " front end mechanic for a test drive . He heard the noise for the " first " time and told me I now needed struts. This he said would solve my problem . I am scheduled to have this repair done on July 23 , 2000. I do not believe this to be my problem . Also I am concerned that my dealer as well as Ford will not cover any of these repairs because the 36 months on my warranty has expired but not my 36,000 miles ( I am at 33,900 miles ) . If you could send any information on recalls , class action suits or helpful tips on what to do I would be forever gratefull . Thanks ron turner.
Rotors are warping, I changed them and they warp again, undersized brakes.
The rotors warped and caused the Windstar to shake when the brakes were applied. The rotors and brake pads were replaced in July of 1997 by dealership.
Vehicle requires front brakes every 10,000 miles, rotors lasted only 25,000 miles, rear brakes lasted only 8,000 miles. Mileage/driving habits are not wearing out tires - original tire are fine.